Partridge Family pop idol David Cassidy has died from organ failure at 67.

22nd November 2017
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By Matthew Whitehouse

GETTY

Cassidy was hospitalised in Port Lauderdale, Florida, last week due to organ failure.

His publicist Jo-Ann Geffen released a statement from his family: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy.

“David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.”

David Cassidy – from Manhattan, New York, US – rose to fame playing Keith on the hit '70s musical sitcom The Partridge Family, which ran for four years on ABC and on into syndication.

A number of top ten hits came from the show, including “I Think I love You” which sold over 5 million copies.

The group were also nominated for a Grammy for best new artist.

Cassidy quit the show and went on to forge a successful solo career.

He also continued to work in theatre and television, with his own show 'David Cassidy – Man Undercover' lasting one season.

In February of this year, Cassidy revealed he had been living with dementia, a condition that runs in his family and the same disease his mother Evelyn Ward suffered from before her death.

"To watch someone who raised you lose their mind and disappear is arguably the most painful thing I have ever experienced," Cassidy told CNN in a 2012 interview.

Cassidy was hospitalised with organ failure in Florida on November 18th and placed in a medically induced coma, awaiting a liver transplant.

Musicians and actors shared their condolences on Twitter.

Legendary singer Gloria Gaynor wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of David Cassidy ... part of a musical legacy via his role as "Keith Partridge" that brought music and laughter into the homes of millions.."

Beach Boys star Brian Wilson added: "I’m very sad to hear about David Cassidy. There were times in the mid-1970s when he would come over to my house and we even started writing a song together. He was a very talented and nice person. Love & Mercy to David and his family."

And film director Kevin Smith commented: "I grew up in an era before even cable TV, when The Partridge Family was already in reruns. David Cassidy's Keith was one of my favorite TV characters. He was legit funny AND he could sing. The man entertained me during my childhood and even years later."

Jack Cassidy, David's nephew, also shared a touching tribute, writing: "My uncle David Cassidy has sadly passed away tonight... & in the process of mourning I can't help but thank God for the joy that he brought to countless millions of people!

"I don't think I'm alone in saying that we will all miss him. God Speed!"